CESSNA 185C near Phoenix, AZ — 2025-10-10

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a left crosswind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, while practicing touch-and-go landings, the airplane veered left during the landing roll. The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder and left aileron input; however, the airplane ground looped to the left and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunction or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 7L with wind from 360° at 13 knots.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD A�� TELEPHONE INTERVIEW, PILOTinterview
• PHOTOSphotos

Related mishaps

• CESSNA A185F

  2026-06-27 · Angel Fire, NM

• CESSNA 180H

  2026-06-21 · Port Angeles, WA

• CESSNA 140

  2026-06-01 · Pasco, WA

• EAA Acro Sport II

  2026-05-31 · Sheridan, AR

• PITTS SPECIAL S-1S

  2026-05-29 · Bartlesville, OK

• GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP GVII-G600

  2026-05-27 · Birmingham, AL